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The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital shut one ward as a precaution. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Visiting restrictions have been put in place at Norfolk's biggest hospital because of a flu outbreak.

The Norfolk and Norwich closed one ward as a precaution after patients arrived with the virus.

They're asking people not to visit unless absolutely necessary - and not to bring in children aged under 12.

“We are restricting visiting as a precaution as it is that time of year when we see flu circulating widely in the community.

"It is also important not to visit the hospital if you have any respiratory illness including coughs, colds and flu or have been in close contact with someone who has over the previous three days. Washing your hands with warm water and soap is also essential for all visitors."

The Norfolk and Norwich University hospital says it is now able to treat more young people more quickly. Bosses have tripled the size of its children's emergency department.

The new unit has a larger waiting room and better facilities including an expansion in the delivery of mental health care for children.

“The expansion of the unit is already proving very beneficial to our younger patients and has enabled us to continue to deliver first class care. Increasing the size of the unit means a reduction in waiting times for our younger patients visiting A&E, and enhanced privacy for those patients who require it when they are receiving care.”

– Laura Hall, Children's Emergency Department Lead Sister

The expansion of the Children’s Emergency Department comes alongside the introduction of the UK’s first Older People’s Emergency Department which also opened mid-December.

People in Norfolk are being asked to put their name forward to be a governor of the county's flagship hospital.

The election is underway to fill five vacancies - one for Norwich, one for Broadland, two for Breckland and one for a new constituency called "the rest of England" which is open to people living outside of Norfolk and Waveney.

The council of governors provides a direct link between the hospital and the local community.

Governors, who must be aged 16 or over, serve for a term of three years and can then be re-elected.

Potential candidates have until November 6 to return their completed election forms and the results will be announced on December 18.